6 of 6 Items
6 of 6 Items
The Whitsunday islands are one of the top spots along the East Coast. Made up of 74 tropical islands on the tip of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. You can see one of the best beaches in Oz - Whitehaven Beach, visit the gorgeous Hill Inlet, stay onboard a sailboat, and of course the amazing snorkelling where you can get to meet the local underwater wildlife - nemo, reef sharks (safe - don't worry), turtles, stingrays and more including the HUGE (but harmless) Maori Wrasse fish.
WHITSUNDAYS NEED TO KNOW
THINGS TO DO?
You can head out on a day trip to Whitehaven Beach and do some snorkelling before heading back to Airlie Beach, which is fine if you are short on time, but for us staying onboard a boat is the best option. There are 74 islands, many snorkelling spots so you really want to maximise your time here. I mean really, how many times will you get the chance to live on board a proper sailing vessel for a couple of days! Choose the boat carefully, 1 or 2 nights is ideal and you can have a party boat, chilled catamaran or even stay on an island.
GETTING THERE?
The Whitsundays are accessed by boat from Airlie Beach, which is a chilled out little town. Everyone relaxes by the lagoon by day and hits up one of the many bars at night. The vibe is awesome, people are either excited to be going to the Whitsundays or have just come back from an epic trip and are having a good time with new friends.
Airlie Beach is easy to get to by Greyhound or Premier bus. You can park your vehicle in one of the local hostels while you visit the islands for a small fee if you are driving.
ACCOMMODATION?
Usually people opt to sleep on the boat while sailing the Whitsundays, but there are a couple of options to stay on the islands as well. The boats are pretty comfortable but as with most accommodation the more you pay the more comfort you get! If you want a private cabin expect to pay a bit more for it. There are plenty of hostels to choose from in Airlie Beach, Base being one of our favourites.
OUR TOP TIPS?
If you really want to see the most of the Whitsundays go for a 2 night trip. There is so much to see and do and you will meet a whole group of people, some of who you will be friends with forever. Just consider what type of boat you like; I mean you really don't want to be stuck on a party boat if you want a good nights sleep, and vice versa of course!
ANYTHING ELSE?
Don't rush off after your trip, as we said you will make heaps of new friends and there is always an after trip party/dinner you will be invited to.
Be prepared to hire a 'stinger suit' at certain times of the year, this is to protect your delicate skin against some of the nastier locals: the jellyfish. But don't worry, every boat knows how to remedy any sting, and no it doesn't involve pee!
BEST SELLING IN THE WHITSUNDAYS
EVERYTHING IN THE WHITSUNDAYS